What is a long-term effect of regular exercise on the body?

A long-term increase in stroke volume is a well-documented benefit of regular exercise. Stroke volume refers to the amount of blood ejected by the heart during each contraction. Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise, such as running, swimming, or cycling, leads to various adaptations in the heart and circulatory system. Over time, consistent exercise strengthens the heart muscle, allowing it to pump more blood with each beat, which enhances cardiovascular efficiency. This adaptation not only increases stroke volume but also contributes to improved overall cardiovascular fitness, enabling the body to perform physical activities with less strain and greater endurance.

The other options do not represent long-term benefits. A decrease in cardiovascular endurance would be counterproductive to regular exercise. Short-term muscle fatigue is a common experience during intense workouts but does not relate to long-term physical adaptations. An immediate drop in cholesterol levels can occur after a single exercise session but requires ongoing exercise to achieve and maintain long-term changes in cholesterol profiles. Hence, the correct answer reflects a significant and beneficial adaptation that occurs with regular exercise over time.